Jeanne Zeamba, Psy.D. Clinical Psychologist

May is #MentalHealthMonth During this unprecedented time of COVID19 (and always) it is important to work towards understanding what you can and can't control in life. Learning and practicing skills such as mindfulness, surrender and acceptance are important steps in self-care, resilience and mental health. According to Kabat-Zinn, there are seven foundational attitudes that are integral to the practice of mindfulness for the purpose of stress reduction: Non-judgment: intent...ionally assume the mind frame of an impartial witness; Patience: a form of wisdom that allows us to give ourselves space and time to have our experiences; A beginner’s mind: a mindset that is willing to experience everything as if it is the first time; Trust: having trust in yourself and honoring your own knowledge and experience; Non-striving: an attitude that eschews the usual state of trying to get somewhere or accomplish something in particular, but encourages the practitioner to simply be; Acceptance: seeing things as they really are in each moment, rather than as you would like them to be or as the worst interpretation may present; in other words, taking things as they come; Letting go: intentionally releasing control and allowing ourselves to fully participate in our experience. See more here: https://www.mindful.org/jon-kabat-zinn-defining-mindfulness/ #MHM20 #Tools2Thrive #Mentalhealth

May is Mental Health Month! This year’s theme, #Tools2Thrive, explores practical tools that everyone can use to improve their #mentalhealth and increase resiliency. Learn more and download the free #mentalhealthmonth toolkit at https://www.mhanational.org/mental-health-month #mhm20

Are you struggling with Parenting during the COVID19 shutdown? Check out the excellent FREE resources available through the Children's Health Council (CHC). Find amazing offerings such as: Virtual Community Education Webinars on topics such as: "Being a Parent, A Teacher and a Human (all at the same time)" "Supporting Teens During Shelter in Place"... "Family Dynamics During Shelter in Place" Virtual Parent Support Groups on topics such as: "Parenting During Uncertain Times" "ADHD Parents Support Group" "Learning Differences Support Group" Online Resource Library COVID-19 Info Center to help you navigate life and learning See their full calendar of events here https://www.chconline.org/calendar/

Consider taking this FREE "Science of Well Being" online class to learn proven psychological techniques for improving your mental health and well-being. It is delivered via an online, low pressure lecture format videos, assessments, activities and optional readings. Enjoy! Sign up for free here https://www.coursera.org/learn/the-science-of-well-being

Getting a certain grade can feel like the end of the world. With all the pressure to succeed, it’s easy to forget that you and your health and well-being matter more than a score on an assignment or exam. You wouldn’t judge another person’s life or value based on one test or paper. Show yourself the same kindness!

As part of May’s #MentalHealthMonth, be sure to check out The Child Mind Institute’s #MyYoungerSelf Social Media Campaign Teaser here https://youtu.be/l0iTrNRM6Us The #MyYoungerSelf campaign features dozens of prominent actors, athletes, authors, comedians, politicians, and other influencers, such as Kristen Bell, Emma Stone, Gavin Newsom, Michael Phelps, Gabrielle Union, Jesse Eisenberg, Sarah Silverman, Mark Ruffalo, David Cross, and Lena Dunham, each sharing personal v...ideos about growing up with a mental health or learning disorder and the advice they would give their younger selves about how to persevere. What would you say to your younger self?? #MentalHealthMonth #4mind4body #mhm2018 #MentalHealthMatters #StampOutStigma @ChildMindDotOrg

Today, Oct 5th, is National Depression Screening Day (NDSD). Take a few minutes today to get a "Check Up From the Neck Up". NDSD is held annually on the first Thursday of October during Mental Illness Awareness Week. Just as we visit the doctor each year for our physical health, we should all take the time for a "Check Up From the Neck Up" to check in with our mental health. Take a moment to educate yourself on the signs and symptoms of mental illness and help break down the stigma. Free anonymous mental health screenings can be accessed at any time through: http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/mental-health-screening-

Many of us spend a lot of time and energy "spinning" relentlessly with anxiety in our heads, or trying to force uncomfortable thoughts and feelings out of our minds. Ruminating, overgeneralizing, worrying, catastrophizing. We all do it at times, but for some it can be so automatic and deeply ingrained they may not even recognize how quickly it happens, how quickly it can paralyze, derail or torture you. Sadness? Fear? Anxiety? Regret? Self-doubt? What if, rather than ruminat...Continue reading